Council to readjust parking spaces at Saratoga

Member for Robertson Gordon Reid says commonsense has prevailed, with Central Coast Council set to adjust eight car spaces at Saratoga shops.

Reid raised the red flag following recent changes to parking at the shopping centre introduced by Council, which saw reduced width of parking spaces causing major problems for people trying to park and exit their vehicles.

He said the changes, recommended by the Local Traffic Committee meeting, were causing havoc for shoppers.

“People living with a disability and families with children and prams are struggling to exit their vehicles without damaging the adjacent vehicle,” he said following the changes.

Reid this week welcomed an announcement that Council would readjust the car space widths following his representations on behalf of the community.

“Commonsense has prevailed and the community will be able to park their vehicles without potentially damaging the adjacent car,” he said.

“This decision will also allow for people with children, the elderly, and those living with a disability to navigate the parking area comfortably.

“I thank the community for its support of our campaign.”

Council informed Reid by letter that consultation had been undertaken with surrounding businesses, residents and the Progress Association prior to changes being made.

“The changes to the carpark were presented to the Local Traffic Committee on February 21 for consideration and recommendation, which was endorsed by the Director Infrastructure Services, on behalf of Council,” the letter said.

“The voting members at the Local Traffic Committee include representatives from NSW Police, Transport for NSW, Council and the local State Member Parliamentary representative.

“The proposed improvements to the carpark included the relocation of accessible (disabled) parking spaces to meet current Australian Standards and assist those with a Mobility Parking Scheme permit.

“The opportunity was also taken to re-mark a small number of car spaces to allow for the provision of an additional car space.”

But following community feedback, the letter said arrangements were being made to adjust the car parking line marking to increase the width of eight car spaces and remove the additional car space created.

“These further works will be subject to contractor availability, however it is anticipated they will be completed this financial year,” the letter said.